Planning a field trip to the Central Park Zoo can be an exciting and educational experience for students of all ages. Whether you’re a teacher looking to enhance your curriculum or a parent seeking a fun day out, the Central Park Zoo offers a variety of programs and resources to make your visit a success.

Booking an Education Program

To book an education program for your Central Park Zoo field trip, follow these steps:

1. Early Booking: Reserve your desired program date as early as possible, especially during peak seasons like April and May. Call 800-433-4149 to book a self-guided experience or a guided tour.
2. Registration: Complete the Central Park Zoo Request Form or contact the Education Department at 800-433-4149 (Monday to Friday, 9am-5pm) to schedule your program. You can also email [email protected] with any questions.
3. Payment: Payment in full is due at least 4 weeks prior to the program date. You can pay by check, credit card, or Purchase Order.

Accommodations for Special Needs

The Central Park Zoo is committed to providing an inclusive experience for all visitors. If your group has special needs or disabilities, the zoo offers the following accommodations:

1. Wheelchair-Accessible Classrooms: Mention any special needs or disabilities when registering to ensure your group is assigned a wheelchair-accessible classroom.
2. Special Education Classes: The maximum class size for special education classes is 12 students, with one adult chaperone for every two students.

Payment Guidelines

1. Payment in Full: The full payment for your field trip is due at least 4 weeks prior to the program date.
2. Cancellation Policy: Cancellations made at least 4 weeks in advance will receive a 50% refund. No refunds are available for programs cancelled less than 4 weeks before the scheduled date.

Additional Tips

1. Pre-Planning: Review the Central Park Zoo Map before your visit to familiarize yourself with the layout and location of key amenities, such as bathrooms. Ensure that all chaperones have a map and understand their roles for the day.
2. Enhance Your Trip: Consider adding a classroom-based experience or a guided tour to your field trip to provide a more comprehensive and engaging learning experience for your students.
3. Be Patient: Encourage your students to use their observation skills and be patient, as some animals may be more difficult to spot or may not be visible during your visit.

Cost and Timings

1. Student Admission: $10 per student (grades K-12).
2. Chaperone Admission: $15 per chaperone (minimum of 1 adult chaperone for every 10 children).
3. Program Fees: $250 / $200 Early Bird for customized programs (60 minutes).
4. Tour Fee: $175 for guided tours (1 hour).

Contact Information

• Phone: 800-433-4149
• Email: [email protected] or [email protected]
• Office Hours: Monday to Friday, 9:00 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.

References

1. Central Park Zoo. (n.d.). Field Trip Tips. Retrieved from https://centralparkzoo.com/learn/field-trips/plan/tips
2. Central Park Zoo. (n.d.). School & Camp Groups. Retrieved from https://centralparkzoo.com/plan-your-visit/group-sales/students
3. Central Park Zoo. (n.d.). School Programs. Retrieved from https://centralparkzoo.com/learn/educators/school-programs
4. Central Park Zoo. (n.d.). Build Your Own Field Trip. Retrieved from https://centralparkzoo.com/field-trips/classes/penguin-pals
5. Central Park Zoo. (n.d.). Tours. Retrieved from https://centralparkzoo.com/learn/field-trips/tours